Introducing the RCS England XR Lab

The XR Lab is a physical space that enables the creation of simulated environments. It is equipped with eight high-definition projectors, high-resolution cameras, sensory effects and immersive props within a 6mx6m room. This immersive space will recreate real-life environments, connect trainers and participants in-person and virtually, sharpen skills, enhance decision-making and revolutionise how medical professionals train for real-world procedures. The RCS England XR Lab is the first of its kind offered by a UK Royal College. It is located in the Bjorn Saven Centre at RCS England. 

What is extended reality (XR)?

XR is an umbrella term for technologies that alter the perception of a person's environment. Examples of extended reality technology typically include augmented reality (AR) and mixed reality (MR) to create an immersive environment where real and virtual elements blend seamlessly. XR transforms training by allowing surgeons to simulate complex but ultra-realistic environments, to enhance learning and decision-making.

In the XR Lab, learners will be transported to any location (based on the scenario) using 360° projections and even experience environmental factors like smell—transporting them into a fully immersive surgical environment without the need for headsets.

What can our XR Lab do?

The RCS England XR Lab offers a revolutionary space for surgeons to practice, learn, and improve their skills through advanced technology:

• Multi-purpose space: At the heart of the XR Lab is a 6mx6m space, which acts as a blank canvas for limitless immersive experiences. With the flip of a switch, this space transports learners into any surgical environment, allowing practice in diverse settings such as operating rooms, trauma units, or pre-hospital environments.
• Advanced debriefing capabilities: The XR Lab is equipped with advanced debriefing capabilities, with strategically placed cameras capturing audio and visual footage from multiple angles to create timestamped playback. These features enable reflective, facilitated discussions post-simulation, where learners and instructors can revisit key moments, assess decisions, and refine techniques in a collaborative setting.
• Eight projectors: The space is equipped with eight high-definition projectors, displaying dynamic 360° videos or still images on every wall. Each wall can be used independently, or together, to create tailored learning experiences.
• Sensory immersion: The space will use a mix of sensory simulation to transport learners to the desired location, including, audio, visual, olfactory senses to enhance the realism and simulate real-world environments and stresses that surgeons may face in the field.
• Progressive connectivity: The XR Lab will be able to connect with other facilities and mobile devices globally, allowing surgeons to collaborate and practice across distances in real-time.
• Built-in microphones and cameras: The XR Lab can record sessions for feedback or live stream for remote training, making the learning process fully interactive and adaptable to hybrid collaboration. With playback capabilities, learners can reflect on key moments within the space, leading to breakthrough insights where understanding is deepened and learning embedded.

How will surgeons be able to use the XR Lab to enhance surgical learning and performance?

By practicing in both familiar and novel, virtual environments, surgeons will develop the non-technical skills and behaviours needed to succeed in high-pressure situations. Whether rehearsing a robot assisted surgery or navigating an emergency scenario. The XR Lab provides the tools and technology to accelerate learning faster than ever before. The XR Lab will help surgeons to:

• Train for trauma response: Rehearse emergency and trauma scenarios where time is critical; for instance, in the case of penetrating trauma. This immersive environment, complete with sensory triggers like sound, smell and lighting will simulate the dynamic nature of hospital and pre-hospital scenarios, helping surgeons and surgical teams develop calm and effective responses under pressure.
• Practice collaboration: The XR Lab can simulate real-world interactions with other multidisciplinary teams, helping surgeons work alongside anaesthetists, nurses and other medical professionals in coordinated care for complex cases. Surgeons will be able to practice and train alongside other surgeons and teams from different locations.
• Train with new technology: Surgeons will be able to train with new tools such as robot-assisted technology in a simulated environment, gaining confidence and familiarity before using these tools in real surgeries.
• Environment specific training: The XR Lab can transport surgeons to operating environments in different countries or rural settings and can also simulate extreme environments. Surgeons will be able to practice life-saving procedures in difficult or compromised settings.
• Real-time monitoring and feedback: Instructors can observe through the lab’s built-in cameras, offering real time guidance and constructive feedback. Surgeons can also review their own performance, analyse their decision-making and refine their skills.

Alternative applications of the XR Lab

Outside of surgical training, the XR Lab’s immersive technologies have the potential to transform all kinds of experiences. The 360° projection around the space not only transports participants to new environments but also creates a new and compelling way to present. The cameras and recording capability make it possible to capture and play back in-person experiences, giving a new meaning to hybrid capabilities. The XR Lab is a blank canvas to supercharge your work.

Part of our Future Surgery strategy

The XR Lab simulation facility is part of RCS England’s commitment to shaping the future of surgical education. Aligned with the Future Surgery strategy, the XR Lab will play a key role in innovation, training, and collaboration—enhancing how surgeons of tomorrow learn, practice, and perfect their skills.

Get Involved with the XR Lab

We’re excited to invite expressions of interest from members who would like to be involved in the next stages of development for our new 360° immersive learning space—the Extended Reality Lab (XRL). Whether you're passionate about designing innovative learning materials, delivering cutting-edge surgical education as Faculty, or supporting staff development and training as we explore the possibilities of this technology, we’d love to hear from you. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of surgical education at the College. To express your interest or find out more, please get in touch with the Learning Innovation team by completing this form.